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Taking Care of Kid's Posture

How can I tell if my child has a postural problem?

Your family chiropractor is best qualified to evaluate your child's postural health. Given all the natural growth developments and potentially serious conditions which can affect a child, it is not surprising that a recent study indicated children need chiropractic care for low back pain nearly twice as much as their parents.1 Just like the adult the child should have periodic postural evaluations; every six months to one year is usually sufficient.


What can a chiropractor do if my child has a postural problem?

Your child is a unique individual, of course, so the specifics of his or her care can only be determined by a health care professional - a chiropractor, for example. In general terms, your chiropractor may recommend a postural evaluation, examination of the feet, testing of any painful areas, X-rays (to rule out more serious conditions), adjustments or manipulation where needed, spinal/pelvic stabilizers (foot orthotics), and rehabilitative exercise.

What is hyperpronation?

Pronation is considered the most common foot problem. In pronation, some of the bones of the foot drop to a less stable position because the foot arches are too weak to keep them in proper alignment. The arches themselves may be unnaturally stretched ("flat feet"), and stress on the entire foot increases. Another common problem - one that is often found along with pronation - is plantar fascitis, a stress irritation to the sheath of elastic tissues running nearly the entire length of the foot. If not treated, either condition can lead to progressive development of foot malfunction and discomfort. Feet can become "tired and achy" or experience a burning pain, and walking can begin to feel "clumsy" as you try to move your foot in a way that avoids further pain. 


What can be done to help the feet?

It is important that a child's feet be kept supported and in balance. Custom-made, flexible orthotics (also known as spinal/pelvic stabilizers) slip into a patient's shoes to help support the feet in a balanced, stable position. What's more, they also help absorb damaging heel-strike shock and provide gentle comfort while standing. Ultra Young Soles orthotics by Foot Levelers were especially created to help feet between the ages of five to twelve stay healthy and posturally stable. Young Soles work with your doctor's treatments to help keep a child's body in balance during the growing years. Ask your doctor for more information on Ultra Young Soles orthotics for children, and on Foot Levelers' Posture Protect Program. This program allows you to receive a discount on your child's next pair of Young Soles.